Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)

What is EPT?

Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) is the practice of treating sex partners of persons with STDs in the absence of medical evaluation or prevention counseling. EPT is implemented through the delivery of or prescription for therapy by the case patient to their partners.

In May, 2008, Minnesota pharmacy statutes were amended removing the only known legal barrier to implementing EPT in Minnesota. EPT has been documented by the CDC to be an effective strategy for providing timely treatment of chlamydia and gonorrhea partners and a useful measure to prevent re-infection of treated cases and, particularly in women, reduce the risk of complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease.

Results of an Evaluation Survey: The Use of EPT in Minnesota

MDH conducted an evaluation survey in 2010 to determine the extent to which EPT is currently being used in Minnesota, as well as to identify challenges and successes that have been experienced and technical assistance needs related to implementing EPT. You may download the full report or a specific section.

Employing Expedited Partner Therapy In Your Medical Practice: A New Strategy to Reduce STDs in Minnesota Matthew Golden, MD, MPH
Director of the Seattle and King County Sexually Transmitted Disease Control Program

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